The candidate looked great on paper and impressed you during the interview process. But now that they’re on board, they’re barely getting by. What gives?

As one of the leading staffing firms in Woodland, California, Pacific Staffing knows that, many times, companies do hire high quality employees…only to have a new recruit fall flat or jump ship shortly after. And despite what you might think, it’s not always the employee’s fault. Instead, fault oftentimes lies with ineffective managers. From poor communication skills to a lack of direction, some managers are contributing to poor performance without even knowing it.

So what can you do to ensure your managers are helping – rather than hurting – employee performance? Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Challenge Employees.

Expand the horizons of your employees. Challenge them with new tasks or projects; cross-train them; and encourage them to take advantage of opportunities for learning and growth.

2. Build on Their Strengths.

Rather than focusing on and grumbling about employee weaknesses and faults, focus on their strengths…and then build on them. Have private meetings with each employee to help set individual goals and guide them toward continual improvement.

3. Be Clear With Direction.

If you’re constantly changing direction mid-stream, you’ll only wind up with confused and frustrated employees. So be clear about tasks, goals, and the direction for the day.

4. Create an Open Door Policy. 

You might say you have an open door policy, but if you never seem to have time for employees when they do come to you, then you’re shutting down communication. To become more accessible to employees, set a time each week during which you’re available to discuss issues and concerns with your employees.

5. Focus on the Big Picture.

When you constantly push your employees to save money, then they’re going to start cutting corners to get things done. Instead, focus on the bigger picture – the importance of accuracy, timeliness and meeting customer expectations. If you do, profits will come.

6. Recognize Results.

Don’t take for granted when an employee does a great job. Be sure to praise openly and praise often. Your employees will feel appreciated and will strive to achieve even more in the future.

When you put into practice the tips above, you and your managers can create more effective employees…and better results in the process.

Need Help Hiring Right?

If you do, let us know. As one of the leading staffing firms in Woodland, California, Pacific Staffing can help you source, screen, and recruit high quality talent…all while you focus on running your business. Contact Pacific Staffing today to learn more.